On Saturday, June 27, 2026, at approximately 2:35 a.m., an Officer assigned to Patrol B-Squad was conducting proactive patrol on North Dupont Highway when they observed a Chevrolet Malibu traveling without a registration plate.

The Officer activated their emergency equipment and attempted to conduct a traffic stop; however, the driver of the Malibu failed to stop, fleeing into Wilmington before striking a curb and a small tree on South Justison Street. After the vehicle came to a stop, responding Officers quickly apprehended the driver, identified as 27-year-old Lafel Crawford of Wilmington, without further incident.

While securing the vehicle, Officers observed a handgun inside the vehicle. The firearm was later determined to be a polymer handgun without a serial number, commonly referred to as a “ghost gun.” The handgun was loaded and equipped with an illegal conversion device, commonly referred to as a “switch,” which converted the firearm into a fully automatic weapon. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of a second loaded handgun, several rounds of ammunition, approximately 2.74 grams of suspected crack cocaine, one suspected MDMA (ecstasy) pill, approximately 6 grams of marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.

Officers further determined that Crawford was prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior felony conviction.

Crawford was transported to New Castle County Police Headquarters, where he was charged with the following offenses:

• Two felony counts of Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Person Prohibited
• One felony count of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
• One felony count of Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance
• One felony count of Possession of a Destructive Weapon
• One felony count of Disregarding a Police Officer’s Signal
• One felony count of Conspiracy Second Degree
• One misdemeanor count of Possession of a Controlled Substance
• One misdemeanor count of Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Collision
• One misdemeanor count of Driving While Suspended
• One misdemeanor count of Failure to Have Proof of Insurance in Possession
• One traffic violation for Operating an Unregistered Motor Vehicle

Crawford was arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution after failing to post $58,800 cash bail.

Lafel Crawford – 27

In June 2026, Detectives assigned to the New Castle County Division of Police Violent Crime Interdiction Team initiated an investigation into 46-year-old Nicole Malice of New Castle, who was suspected of distributing narcotics throughout New Castle County.

As a result of the investigation, Detectives contacted Malice on Friday, June 26, 2026, in the parking lot of a shopping center in New Castle. During the contact, Detectives recovered suspected narcotics from her Honda Accord before taking her into custody without incident.

Following her arrest, Detectives, with the assistance of the Delaware Department of Correction Probation & Parole, executed a search warrant at Malice’s residence. The search resulted in the recovery of more than 19 grams of suspected crack cocaine, approximately 229 grams of marijuana, drug paraphernalia consistent with the distribution of controlled substances, two handguns, multiple magazines, and assorted ammunition.

Detectives also determined that Malice was prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior felony conviction.

Malice was charged with the following offenses:

• One felony count of Possession of a Large-Capacity Magazine During the Commission of a Felony
• One felony count of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
• One felony count of Possession of a Deadly Weapon by a Person Prohibited
• One felony count of Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance – Tier 2
• One felony count of Possession of a Controlled Substance – Tier 2
• One misdemeanor count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Malice was arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to the Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution after failing to post $62,500 cash bail.

Nicole Malice – 46

The New Castle County Division of Police is saddened to announce the passing of retired K9 Ax.

Born on September 1, 2013, in Slovakia, Ax joined the Division in 2015 and was partnered with Master Corporal Chad Carter. Together, they faithfully served the citizens of New Castle County until Ax retired on November 14, 2023.

Throughout his career, Ax assisted in numerous apprehensions and helped locate missing persons with his exceptional tracking abilities, making him a valued member of the Division’s K9 Unit.

After retirement, Ax enjoyed life at home with M/Cpl. Carter and his family, where he quickly became a beloved family companion.

On Thursday, June 25, 2026, K9 Ax peacefully passed away at home, surrounded by his loved ones.

K9 Ax will be remembered for his loyal service, dedication, and the special bond he shared with his handler. We extend our heartfelt condolences to M/Cpl. Carter and his family during this difficult time.